Via Media Alia: Reconsidering the controversial doctrine of universal redemption in thetheology of James Fraser of Brea (1639 - 1699)

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Abstract

James Fraser of Brea’s significance in Scottish theological history stems principally
from his controversial doctrine of universal redemption which led to schisms within
the Associate Synod and the Reformed Presbytery in the mid-18th century. During
those disputes, several assumptions were made concerning his doctrines that have
endured, thereby hindering the development of a more objective interpretation of
Fraser's thought. Recent scholarship has begun the re-evaluation of his place in the
development of Scottish theology and this thesis continues the process by seeking to
exonerate Fraser from the unwarranted and reductionist accusations that have
hitherto obscured his doctrine of redemption.
This thesis advances a new and more accurate interpretation of Fraser’s
doctrine of Christ’s redemption. By broadening discussions beyond the single
criterion of the scope of Christ’s redemption, it also helps develop a more precise
understanding of the fundamental issues of the orthodox Reformed position upon
redemption during the 17th century. In order to provide a context for scrutinizing
Fraser’s formulations, the debates surrounding the doctrine of redemption throughout
the 16th and 17th centuries have been explored. In addition, a systematic evaluation of
Fraser’s views on assurance, God’s eternal decrees, federal theology and justifying
faith has been undertaken to construct a framework through which a more accurate
interpretation of his doctrine of universal redemption has been achieved.
Divided into three sections, this thesis begins with two contextualizing
chapters. These establish the parameters of this thesis as well as detail several key
developments in the doctrine of redemption throughout the 16th and 17th centuries
related to determining the proper interpretation of Fraser’s doctrine of universal
redemption. Following this introductory section, the second section of this thesis,
which constitutes the main body in four chapters, scrutinizes Fraser’s doctrine of
redemption in relation to his expressed purpose in writing and his fundamental
doctrinal commitments, namely his unwavering fidelity to covenantal absolutism and
redemptive particularism. The final section of this thesis is the conclusion, wherein
scholars are encouraged to reconsider how they classify the doctrine of redemption
and, specifically, how they understand Fraser’s doctrine of redemption in relation to
the redemptive theories of his contemporaries.
It is commonly recognized that Fraser deviated from the Reformed orthodox
norms of the 17th century by arguing for a broader scope of Christ’s redemption, one
that included the reprobate as well as the elect. This thesis moves beyond this basic
understanding of his theology in two ways. Firstly, it explores why Fraser
determined it was necessary to depart from the traditional presentation of Christ’s
redemption and secondly it identifies how his adoption of the two-fold design of
redemption corresponded to the more foundational theological commitments of his
Reformed contemporaries. Since most previous interpretations have run together the
three different positions, Fraser’s perspective has been carefully compared and
contrasted with the redemptive paradigms proposed by the Arminians and the
Hypothetical Universalists. This thesis will challenge such a confusion of theologies,
arguing instead that Fraser’s doctrine of redemption truly represents via media alia.
In order to fill the gaps left by earlier examinations of Fraser’s theology
which concentrated upon his Treatise on Justifying Faith, for the first time equal consideration has been given to all of Fraser’s writings. Even the voluminous
doctoral study by Duncan Fraser (1944), proving that Fraser of Brea employed the
theme of Christ’s universal redemption throughout his writings, failed to provide an
adequate analysis of how Fraser’s doctrine of redemption fitted into his own
theological system or into the context of the Reformed community of 17th century
Europe. This thesis provides just such an analysis.